The property is part of the “From Ashes to Homes” project with the Tacoma-Pierce County Chapter of Habitat for Humanity. The structure needed to be removed to clear the way for the creation of 11 new homes for hard working low income families. The new neighborhood will include sidewalks, streetlights, and a community area with recreation space.

This all day event was an great opportunity for the Tacoma Fire Department to conduct live fire training in a controlled setting and we were grateful to be able to assist Habitat for Humanity with the development of their very important project.

First arriving companies found heavy smoke and flames coming from the attached garage portion of the two story house. Firefighters battled the blaze with hand lines and the ladder company preformed vertical ventilation on the roof to stop the fire from traveling a crossed the attic. The fire also significantly damaged one vehicle parked in the driveway.

The fire displaced two occupants and there were no injuries to report. The cause of the fire is under investigation.

Fire crews found smoke and flames coming from the second floor of the three story residence. Crews attacked the fire with hand lines and contained the fire to an upper bedroom and a portion of the attic area. There were no injuries to report, and the cause of the fire was a child lighting matches.

Damage Estimates: $30,000 to the building and $20,000 to the contents.

The first arriving company found fire and smoke showing from the main floor of the two story turn of the century house. Crews battled the blaze with hand lines and initiated search and rescue tactics. A second alarm for additional resources was called as the intensity of the fire resulted in a collapsing roof of the primary structure and significant exposure damage to the adjacent house at 1732 S. Ainsworth.

A passing by off duty firefighter and neighbors assisted in getting all of the occupants out of both of the houses. Two of those occupants were transported to local area hospitals.

The Red Cross is assisting with the displaced families and the cause of the fire is currently under investigation.